Workplace

Interview with Spanish Teacher Angel Concepción

Q and A with Mr. Angel Concepción

Pursuing a career in education can be a scary step for some. Education provides a fruitful career in helping students prepare to be productive members of society and serves as a safe place for students to learn and thrive. While choosing your career path, it can be helpful to hear the perspectives of current teachers. We had the opportunity to sit down and chat with current Spanish teacher Angel Concepción. Thank you so much for agreeing to answer a few questions describing a day in the life of a High School Spanish Teacher.

Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

A. My name is Angel Concepción, and I am a resident of Union Township. I have two adult children and one granddaughter. I came from Puerto Rico in 1995. I have been a teacher since 1999. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a teaching certification. I also have a Master’s Degree in Supervision.

Q. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?

A. One of my favorite things about being a teacher is the constant interaction I have with my students and those who are not my students, both in the classroom and outside the classes well.

Q. What inspired you to become a teacher?

A. To be honest, education was not my first option. Coming from Puerto Rico in search of a new beginning took me through this path and is something I do not regret. My parents were my inspiration and motivation to begin this profession and continue in it. 

Q. Since the pandemic, many students have continued facing social and emotional issues. What are you doing to try to address these issues?

A. On the pandemic and its emotional hit on students, I truly believe in being accessible. We need to always have our doors open for our students. To be able to listen to what they have to say and help them in any way I can.

Q. Can you describe a typical day as a Spanish teacher?

A. A typical day for me always starts very early. I’m a morning person and that allows me to be very early in the building. My love for music allows me to be able to almost always begin my day by presenting a few rhythms or songs from different parts of Latin America. Depending on what topic I’m covering is how I select my different activities, from vocabulary competitions to charades and videos. The students must be prepared to participate and interact with each other. It is imperative for me to provide them with culinary experiences in order to have a taste of the different cultures amongst our Latino inheritance.

Q. What can school districts do to support someone in your role?

A. In my personal opinion, school districts need to detach from politics and try to please specific political agendas that have nothing to do with education. They need to provide job security for teachers and try to stay away from the bureaucracy. 

Q. What is something you wish people knew about teaching Spanish?

A. I wish people would know more about how diverse and rich our culture is, our music, food, way of dressing, celebrations, and the meanings of many holidays. This is something that I try to bring to my classes almost on a weekly basis. It truly helps to open students’ eyes to understanding our way of living.

Angel Concepción has been able to find a way to help students in the learning process to get a better understanding of the Spanish language and culture. Educators directly impact students' futures and can help set them up for success. Once again, thank you to Angel Concepción for giving us a glimpse into his life as an educator.

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